BRUISING FOR BESOS

Bruising for Besos was a solo play initially developed by Adelina Anthony in Cherríe Moraga's playwriting classes in 2003. Subsequent readings, excerpts of the play, and workshops were held primarily in Austin with allgo (A Texas Statewide Queer People of Color Organization), Oakland's La Peña Cultural Center, and through university presentations at UC Davis and UCSC's Woman of Color Film Festival. These venues helped to further develop the story/character of the solo play.

The play world-premiered in 2009 at the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center. Producer Jon Imparato provided final dramaturgy on the play and it was directed by Rose Marcario. The show was extended twice due to public demand and critical acclaim. It earned the artist an LA Weekly nomination for Best Solo Performance.

The film version is very distinct from the solo play, but it preserves its essence of breaking silence around domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Like the solo play, it also has many moments of levity.